Intel Core i5-4460T vs Intel Xeon E5-1607 v3 Comparison

The Intel Xeon E5-1607 v3 and Intel Core i5-4460T are both 4-core, 4-thread Haswell processors, but they target very different platforms. The Xeon is a server/workstation part on Socket 2011-3, while the i5 is a desktop chip on Socket 1150. The recorded benchmark data shows a decisive advantage for the Xeon across all Cinebench tests, with a consistent lead of roughly 35%. Despite that, both chips sit in a similar overall performance tier, as their average benchmark scores and percentile rankings are close.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head results are unambiguous: the Xeon E5-1607 v3 wins all five recorded Cinebench comparisons, and the i5-4460T does not take a single test. The margins are remarkably uniform, ranging from 34.8% to 35.5%. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Xeon scores 422 against the i5's 313, a 34.8% advantage. The R20 multi-core test shows 1761 versus 1305, a 34.9% lead. Single-core performance follows the same pattern: R20 single-core gives 248 for the Xeon and 183 for the i5, a 35.5% gap. The R23 tests repeat the story, with multi-core at 4193 versus 3109 and single-core at 591 versus 438, both showing a 34.9% delta.

The consistency of these deltas is notable. Because both processors have the same core and thread count, the advantage cannot be attributed to extra parallelism. Instead, the Xeon's higher base clock of 3.10 GHz, compared to the i5's 1.90 GHz base and 2.70 GHz boost, likely drives the uniform lead. The Xeon also has a larger L3 cache (10 MB versus 6 MB) and a quad-channel DDR4 memory interface, which can help in memory-sensitive workloads.

Looking at the broader database, the Xeon's average benchmark score is 1212, placing it in the 34th percentile of all CPUs. Its nearest rivals include the Core i3-7300T and Xeon E5645, both with an average score of 1211, a 0.1% difference. The i5-4460T, with an average score of 1190, sits in the 33rd percentile. Its closest competitor is the AMD Opteron 6234 at 1191, a 0.1% gap. So while the Xeon dominates this head-to-head, both chips are within a few points of each other in the overall ranking, and neither is a high-flyer in the current CPU landscape.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has higher single-core performance?

A: The Xeon E5-1607 v3. In Cinebench R20 single-core, it scores 248 versus 183 for the i5-4460T, a 35.5% lead. The R23 single-core test shows 591 versus 438, a 34.9% advantage.

Q: What is the TDP difference?

A: The Xeon has a 140 W TDP, while the i5-4460T has a 35 W TDP. The i5 is far more power-efficient, which is typical for a desktop part.

Q: Do both support ECC memory?

A: No. The Xeon supports ECC memory, while the i5 does not. This makes the Xeon suitable for error-correcting workloads in servers and workstations.

Q: Which has more L3 cache?

A: The Xeon has 10 MB of shared L3 cache, while the i5 has 6 MB. The larger cache can improve performance in data-heavy applications.

Q: Which has integrated graphics?

A: The i5-4460T includes Intel HD 4600 integrated graphics. The Xeon has no integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is required.

Q: What memory types do they support?

A: The Xeon uses DDR4 with a quad-channel bus and 59.7 GB/s bandwidth. The i5 uses DDR3 with a dual-channel bus and 25.6 GB/s bandwidth. The Xeon's memory subsystem is substantially faster.

Where Each One Wins

The Xeon E5-1607 v3 wins every head-to-head benchmark in the database, so it is the clear performance leader in CPU-bound tasks. Its higher base clock, larger cache, and faster memory interface give it a consistent edge in both single-threaded and multi-threaded Cinebench workloads. The Xeon also offers 40 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, compared to the i5's 16, and supports ECC memory, making it the better choice for workstation builds, virtualization hosts, or any environment where data integrity and expansion capability matter.

The i5-4460T, on the other hand, wins on power efficiency and integrated graphics. Its 35 W TDP is a fraction of the Xeon's 140 W, making it suitable for compact desktops, HTPCs, or systems where cooling and energy consumption are primary concerns. The inclusion of Intel HD 4600 means a discrete GPU is not strictly necessary for basic display output. The i5 also has a lower average benchmark score (1190 versus 1212), but the difference is small, and its Geekbench scores (2170 multi-core, 809 single-core) are recorded in the database, though the Xeon does not have Geekbench results for direct comparison.

For users who need raw processing power and are willing to accept higher power draw and a server-class platform, the Xeon is the obvious pick. For those who prioritize low power, integrated graphics, and a mainstream desktop socket, the i5 is the more practical option.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Xeon E5-1607 v3 | Intel Core i5-4460T |

|----------------|----------------------|---------------------|

| Socket | Intel Socket 2011-3 | Intel Socket 1150 |

| TDP | 140 W | 35 W |

| Base Clock | 3.10 GHz | 1.90 GHz |

| Boost Clock | None | 2.70 GHz |

| Memory Support | DDR4 | DDR3 |

| Memory Bus | Quad-channel | Dual-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 59.7 GB/s | 25.6 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

| PCIe Lanes | Gen 3, 40 Lanes | Gen 3, 16 Lanes |

| Integrated Graphics | None | Intel HD 4600 |

| L3 Cache | 10 MB (shared) | 6 MB (shared) |

| Transistors | 2,600 million | 1,400 million |

| Die Size | 356 mm² | 177 mm² |

| Market Segment | Server/Workstation | Desktop |

| Release Date | 2014-09-07 | 2014-02-28 |

| Part Number | QGDASR20M | SR1S7 |

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on Intel's 22 nm process and use the Haswell microarchitecture, but they belong to different variants. The Xeon E5-1607 v3 is based on Haswell-EP, the server-oriented version, while the i5-4460T is a standard Haswell desktop part. This distinction shows up in several key areas.

The Xeon's die is significantly larger at 356 mm², with 2,600 million transistors, compared to the i5's 177 mm² and 1,400 million transistors. The extra silicon accommodates a more robust memory controller, additional PCIe lanes, and a larger L3 cache. The Xeon supports quad-channel DDR4 memory with a bandwidth of 59.7 GB/s, while the i5 uses dual-channel DDR3 at 25.6 GB/s. The Xeon also provides 40 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, versus 16 on the i5, enabling more expansion cards and high-speed storage.

ECC memory support is another major architectural difference. The Xeon can detect and correct memory errors, a critical feature for long-running server and workstation workloads. The i5 lacks ECC support. The Xeon also has no integrated graphics, whereas the i5 includes Intel HD 4600, which is useful for basic display output without a discrete GPU.

The Xeon's base clock of 3.10 GHz is higher than the i5's 1.90 GHz, and the i5 compensates with a 2.70 GHz boost clock. The Xeon does not have a boost clock, so its performance is fixed. The L3 cache sizes differ as well: 10 MB on the Xeon versus 6 MB on the i5. These architectural choices reflect the Xeon's focus on sustained, reliable throughput in server environments, while the i5 targets power-sensitive desktop use with integrated graphics and a lower TDP.